One of the things I love most about being a parent is watching Alaire’s personality and passions emerge. One obvious passion is music. From the time she could stand, she’d use any object available and make it a stage. When music plays, her little body can’t help but move with the tunes. And, when singing a song for her, she will demand, “more, more!” when the song ends. One day at day care, we received a report that she threw a tantrum with tears when the teacher ended a session of Ring Around The Rosey. I’m sure my mom will get a chuckle at this post, (pay-backs)! Let’s just hope she has Graham’s taste in music, my brother’s ability to harmonize, and my sister’s rhythm! But if not, who cares!? Sing your heart out Alaire!!   

Monday morning started out as any other Monday morning; except that maybe we moved a little more slowly from the long weekend.

Upon arriving at daycare, we took off Alaire’s coat and jacket and then I turned to fill out her sleep and eat report. As I turned around, I saw Little Mr. Johnathan and  Alaire embracing. “Wow!” I exclaimed. But they didn’t separate. I fumbled to unzip my pocket, pull out my phone, unlock it, and they were still hugging by the time my camera was ready to snap the moment.They remained unfazed by my picture taking.

Suddenly, the other boys realized what was happening. They ran over and stood watching, apparently waiting in line for their turn!?

Finally, Alaire & Johnathan separated. Alaire realizing others were waiting, took the opportunity to initiate a group hug with all of the boys.

Why is the song, “Where the boys are” playing in my head right now? Honestly, Graham & I don’t know whether this is adorable or frightening!

Alaire actually picked her costume this year! We shopped together on Amazon and she kept pointing to a little baby in a lion costume. How could I argue??

By Halloween, she mastered the sign for Lion as well as a pretty good roarrrrr noise (which also serves as her airplane noise). Wish we had gotten it on video, but it was a busy day!

Here’s our little lion…

Here’s what happened when dropping off Alaire this morning…

“Is this Alaire?” says a nice looking women.

“Yes it is,” I reply.

“My son, Arrow, has a crush on Alaire! He follows her around and gives her kisses and hugs all day.” says Arrow’s mom.

“WOW!” I reply. “I’ll have to meet Arrow!”

Arrow’s mom is names Mel and we introduce ourselves. I think, sorry Watts, the girl seems to be moving on…

Then, when I take Alaire into the toddler room, she runs to sit down right next to Arrow to eat breakfast. I just giggle.

Then, when I leave. I say, “Goodbye!” and blow a kiss. Not kidding, I am rewarded with about 10 little people screaming “Bu-Buy!” and blowing me kiss after kiss!!  Not a bad way to start the day.

A new family tradition began this year! Our family, my parents, F.A. & U.G. all congregated in Bend to visit the Zink Family (my brother, Nicky, Katelyn & Colton) and to enjoy a stunning fall day at the Pumpkin Patch. Alaire rode her first pony! In fact, when the ponies stopped, Alaire signed and said “more!,” and then had a small tantrum when I pulled her off the pony. Fun to see she felt absolutely no fear about the new experience.

Grandpa Don enjoyed spoiling the kids when more tokens were needed. Those things go fast! Thanks Grandpa!

Cousins, Katelyn & Colton, showed Alaire a pretty darn good time! They pulled her in the wagon, on the bean bag and politely jumped at toddler speed so she could enjoy the big trampoline. We love our cousins!

Another treat, Gramma Sally & Grandpa Hank surprised us all and came over for the afternoon to enjoy lunch at Deschutes Brewing.

To cap off the weekend, we watched cousin Colton’s pee-wee football game (equally fun to watch my brother coach). Colton scored his team’s only touchdown!
Good thing Katelyn & I made fancy signs!

Our dear friends, Jessie & Zach welcomed their sweet little bundle of joy, Pepper LeDoux Farnes  into the world on Monday September 30th. Pretty sure these two will be life long friends…

At 18 months, Alaire already loves to play dress-up! Her favorite accessories are a bit curious however; she L-O-V-E-S to drape herself in Kenzie’s dog collars (all collars received a cleaning when this phase began). Kenzie’s collars live in a basket by the back door and almost on a daily basis, Alaire picks through the basket like it’s a magical treasure chest. Although we don’t encourage the activity, it gives us a chuckle and begs the question, what does go on in that little brain of hers anyway?!